• Gbegudu takes over office, as Oshati becomes Majority Leader

By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

The Ondo State House of Assembly on Tuesday witnessed a seamless and peaceful change of some of its principal officers in what the lawmakers described as a move to foster political balance and unity across the state.

Mr. Ololade Gbegudu, representing Okitipupa Constituency II, was unanimously elected as the new deputy speaker following the voluntary resignation of Prince Abayomi Akinruntan.

The transition, which took place during plenary at the Assembly Complex in Akure, was presided over by the Speaker, Chief Olamide Oladiji.

In a resignation letter read by the Clerk of the House, Mr Benjamin Jaiyeola, the former deputy speaker stated that his decision to step down was made in the spirit of fairness and in line with the principle of power rotation.

He expressed gratitude to the leadership and members of the Assembly for the opportunity to serve and pledged continued support to the House.

The new Majority Leader, Mr Olatunji Oshati from Ose constituency calls for the nomination of a new deputy speaker,
Thereafter, he was nominated by Mr Oluwatoyin Japhet from Akoko North-East and seconded by Mr Chris Aiyebusiwa, representing Okitipupa Constituency I.

The nomination was unanimously adopted.

After the motion was passed, the Clerk of the House administered the oath of allegiance on Gbegudu, which officially confirmed him as the new Deputy Speaker.

As part of the re-organisation of the Assembly’s principal officers, Mr Murtala Mohammed from Akoko South-East emerged as the new Chief Whip, replacing Mr Babatunde Fasonu of Odigbo Constituency II. Mr Ifabiyi Olatunji, representing Odigbo Constituency I, was named the new Whip, while Mr Allen Oluwatoyin Messiah of Ese-Odo took over as Deputy Parliamentary Secretary, a position previously held by Gbegudu.

Lawmakers across party lines hailed the transition as a reflection of maturity and a collective commitment to effective governance and equitable representation. They emphasised that the changes were made in the interest of the state and aimed at strengthening legislative efficiency.